Sled-Pull Load–Velocity Profiling and Implications for Sprint Training Prescription in Young Male Athletes

> 0.95). The slope of the load-velocity relationship was found to be reliable (coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.1%), with the loads that caused a decrement in velocity of 10, 25, 50, and 75% also found to be reliable (CVs = <5%). However, there was a large between-participant variation (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) in the load that caused a given Vdec, with loads of 14-21% body mass (% BM) causing a Vdec of 10%, 36-53% BM causing a Vdec of 25%, 71-107% BM causing a Vdec of 50%, and 107-160% BM causing a Vdec of 75%. The Vdec method can be reliably used to prescribe sled-pulling loads in young athletes, but practitioners should be aware that the load required to cause a given Vdec is highly individualized.